The Dandelion Hideaway Launches Woodland Explorer’s Club

December 2015

The Dandelion Hideaway is launching the Woodland Explorer’s Club in association with The Royal Forestry Society. Aimed at helping children (from 5-12 years) to appreciate the environment, hands on activities led by ranger Nicki Jempson include identifying trees and birds, treasure hunts, orienteering and map adventures.

The two hour complimentary course, exclusively for guests, will take place in the farm’s ancient Spinney Wood and the Den on Thursday afternoons in April, May, July and August 2016.

The award-winning Dandelion Hideaway puts the glam into glamping. Six secluded, vintage chic canvas cottages have comfy beds, ensuite roll top baths with lashings of hot water and wood burning stoves. Guests are encouraged to get hands on with farm life; milking the goats, grooming the Shetland ponies and collecting eggs from the rare breed hens.

Prices start from £500 for a 4 night break for up to six people, including all wood for the stove and fire.

The Royal Forestry Society is an educational charity inspiring passion and excellence in woodland management. Nicki Jempson, a former primary school teacher has been appointed RFS's first Teaching Trees Education Officer for the East Midlands. She says: "Working in the outdoors with children is incredibly rewarding - for them, as well as for teachers. It often brings children who might otherwise be reticent in a classroom setting, out of themselves.

Teaching Trees brings the National Curriculum to life, giving primary school children the opportunity to visit and learn about their local woodlands, including their value both to the environment and the community. Science topics such as tree identification and seasonal changes are covered, but less obvious subjects such as maths, history, literacy and others can also be incorporated in a creative and engaging way, helping to embed what is learnt in the classroom.